Data Collection and Individual Privacy :: Expository Exemplification Essays

Data Collection and Individual Privacy       In deliberation of the topic of the social function of individual information, the honorable issue of importance is whether public or private sector entities have the right to create individual profiles of consumers and their obligation in protecting the consumers privacy is in question. The exponential growth of the information age in particular the personal computer has created a situation where economies of the public and private sector are at odds with the privacy of the consumer or citizen. Should selective information collection agencies use or sell information collected about individuals?       In my deliberation of this topic, I observe the consumer/citizen should possess the right of determining whom and in what form can data collection be allowed. I will look at the positions of proponents and advocates alike in making my ethical decision. The reasoning for this decision woul d be that, by allowing the individual the right to decide public and private sector entities would be acting in the best interest of society in a whole. This decision will be examined using the Utilitarian school of thought in ethics.       John Stuart move defined the theory of Utilitarianism as the happiness which forms the utilitarian standard of what is right in conduct, is not the agents experience happiness, but that of all concerned. As between his own happiness and that of others, utilitarianism requires him/her to be as strictly impartial as a disinterested and benevolent spectator. (Rachels 107). In summation, the theory can be said to blotto actions are to be deemed good or bad judgements based on their consequence. This consequence must provide the society or all individual baffling the greatest amount of benefit. In turn this benefit must be the majoritys benefit over the minorities.       In viewing the issue of should d ata collection agencies use or sell information collected about individuals, the majorities I believe in this issue is the consumer/citizen and the minorities are public and private section entities. The influence of data collection or data profiling impacts the consumer citizen by far in comparison of the benefits of the public or private entity. The set to be considered are the values of health, discrimination, truth, and economics.